Today I am featuring a fun and frothy playlist to get you through the heat-filled days of August. It begins with THE song summer (IMHO) and ends with a Lindsey Buckingham tune that always makes me want to fall asleep on the beach somewhere under an umbrella without a care in the word.

Recently I found a playlist a colleague of mine left behind at the gym and found a plethora of new tunes that I needed to check out right away.

Sooooo—today’s list is a 50-minute interval ride with more flat roads at high speeds than heavy resistance climbing. It starts off with a remix of a mellow 70s songs that I love to death and finishes with a favorite “Babooey” tune. So let’s get to it!!

Ventura Highway(Deepsky’s Blizzard Remix):America

This song is a new favorite discovery for me. It’s just so light and sweet and makes me want to wear a poncho and sit by a campfire.

Rumble and Sway: Jamie N Commons

“Don’t you give me no truth I want all of your lies—whoo hoo!” (Tell me this doesn’t make your butt wiggle a bit!)

Short Skirt/Long Jacket:Cake

The video for this one always makes me smile.

Once in a Lifetime:Talking Heads

I usually play the live version because it rocks too freaking hard!

I Am One: The Smashing Pumpkins

Back in the day I would play this song at full volume tearing down the California highway. (Good times…)

Blurred Lines:Robin Thicke

Here comes the dirty video!!!

Lightning Bolt: Jake Bugg

No this is not Bob Dylan but rather a teenager from England–really!

Just Like a Pill:P!nk

Love, love, love this song to death.

Heroes:David Bowie

The second climb of the ride is a long, windy one and features this tune by one of my favorite artists of all time.

Snow (Hey Oh):Red Hot Chili Peppers

I know all of their songs sound the same but they also all sound good IMHO.

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark:Fall Out Boy

This has to be my favorite tune of the summer of 2013.

Helen Wheels:Paul McCartney & Wings

My favorite Beatle performs this (one more before we cool down) ditty. (Seriously, how cute is he?)

When I first started teaching I was a hard core rock chick when it came to playlists including healthy doses of the Pixies, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters and The Beatles. In my “real life” that is still who I am but over time my students started asking me to pick music more current and popular.

“Blech!” was my original thought but after attempting a few different radio stations online that play what the kids dig these days I have found to my amazement I really love pop music. P!nk is incredible and Maroon 5 writes some fun tunes. Hell—I even started liking The Pussycat Dolls! What the heck has happened to me?

Anyhoo, today’s ride starts with Bruno Mars’ new song which is about as poppy as it gets and features a few old school rock and roll tunes that I love as well. You’re welcome!

Locked Out of Heaven:Bruno Mars

This is one of those songs that is too damn catchy for words. I wind up singing along whenever it is on the radio and might have to get more of his stuff soon.

San Francisco: The Mowgli’s

I know nothing about this band or why so many people are singing at once and I don’t care. It’s just a fun tune and I dig it.

Radioactive:Kings of Leon

Yes, this is the rock portion.

Timeless:The Airborne Toxic Event

This song has “high school graduation anthem” written ALL over it. (In a good way, of course.) The lead singer is adorable by the way!

Undercover (Of the Night): The Rolling Stones

Apparently this video could only be played late at night on MTV because it was too violent so don’t say I didn’t warn you first!

Voices in My Head:The Police

The drummer, Stewart Copeland, is super hot.

Back it Up: Caro Emerland

My new favorite song—love it so much!

Free:Phish

“Where are my hippies at?!”

Panic Switch:Silversun Pickups

The Silversun Pickups are too awesome for words.

Diane Young:Vampire Weekend

To be totally honest—I can’t decide if this is their best or worst song. (But it is zippy!)

Bad: U2

I use this one when I want my class to go a long a looooooong climb. Back in the day Bono would reach into the audience toward the end of the tune and pull a woman out of the audience. (To dance with her only! I think.)

Moves Like Jagger:Maroon 5

I want to hate this but I just can’t. Twist my arm Maroon 5—you’ve got me!

Hard Sun:Eddie Vedder

I still think Eddie Vedder is adorable—sigh.

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

I have been looking for new tunes to try out in my classes and am rather happy with this playlist which mixes some newer releases with a couple of classics.

This is a 50-minute interval ride with several quick segments that will give a nice fat burn. Enjoy!

I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like):Michael Franti

I am calling this the song of summer for 2013. How much more joyful can a tune be, people?!

Mrs. Robinson: The Lemonheads

The lead singer (Evan Dando) was considered a big heartthrob in the 90s. (Oh the 90s—how I miss you!)

I Want To Take You Higher:Sly & the Family Stone

Sly Stone is famous for being something of a kook but his music totally kicks ass so who cares? (This particular clip is pretty damn amazing!)

Synthetica:Metric

I have been featuring them for weeks and for damn good reason—they write killer songs!

Radioactive: Imagine Dragons

There are only two climbs in this set and this is what we play for the first one.

Let Me Entertain You:Robbie Williams

OMG—I had the biggest crush ever on this guy. Swoon!

Wakeup Call: Maroon 5

This is my favorite song of theirs.

Blister in the Sun:Violent Femmes

I have my classes do some quick “out of the saddle” runs with this one.

You Get What You Give:New Radicals

This is just about one of my favorite songs of all time and think it is perfect for this time of year—with graduations coming up and all. (The second “climb” song by the way.)

Everlong:Foo Fighters

The fighters of foo are perfect for any spin class really.

Please Don’t Leave Me: Pink

This is the sweetest & saddest love song that is set to the happiest beat–ever. I had a student leave my room in tears recently because of the lyrics! True story.

City of Blinding Lights:U2

We do some long out of the saddle runs with this song and I think it is one the best U2 have written .

Take a Picture:Filter

The singer, Richard Patrick (whom I have a big crush on,) wrote this after getting in trouble for being drunk and naked on a plane. It was just before 9/11 so people used to have more fun in the skies!

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

I am a huge fan of 90s music and whenever I need to give a playlist some extra “oomph” it’s time for the old favorites that USED to be played on stations with a “Modern Rock” format. (Most of the music I love is relegated to “classic rock” stations which makes me feel like I should be retired, living in Florida and bitching about the heat.)

Anyhoo—I recently came across a photo of yours truly enjoying a cheap beer in a mobile home back in the time that Kurt Cobain was alive and we had NO idea how horny Bill Clinton could get. It made me giggle (mainly because I can’t figure out why I am also holding a bowling ball) so thought I would pass along with today’s playlist—you’re welcome!

This is a 50-minute interval ride with several quick segments versus the longer hills I have been featuring lately.

Enjoy…

Gone, Gone Gone:Phillip Phillips

Apparently he was on American Idol (not a watcher of them) but this video was my introduction to this cute fella. Great song to start the class as it builds with positive vibes.

Wait a Minute: The Pussycat Dolls

This song is so silly and fun—just love it.

Stadium Love:Metric

This is my third favorite Canadian band (after Rush and The Tragically Hip) and I am DYING to see them live.

Teen Angst:Cracker

“What the world needs now is true words of wisdom like la, la, la, la, la laaaaaaaaaa.’

Price Tag: Jessie J.

One of my clients had this on her playlist and I had to Shazam it right away. It’s just so poppy and sweet!

Safe & Sound:Capital Cities

I do not know much about these guys but this song is a big hit with my students.

Flagpole Sitta: Harvey Danger

Is there anything more 90s than Harvey Danger? I think not.

Stars:Moby

I like to start this one out of the saddle with moderate resistance and keep adding before we get back in our seats and it’s heavy on the peddle. That’s the good stuff! (Check out the video for the celebrity cameos…)

Machinehead: Bush

Machinehead makes everyone want to work harder and pump their fists in the air.

My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It”:En Vogue

What on earth ever happed to En Vogue? This stuff is the sh*t!

Level: The Raconteurs

Jack White rules my world and this live version makes my butt want to wiggle like a stripper!

Hash Pipe:Weezer

Lately Weezer has been cropping up all over my iPod shuffle so I have had to let them out and into my world more often.

Natural One:The Folk Implosion

I love, love, love this damn tune.

I Feel Love (Blue Man Group Radio Edit):Blue Man Group

If you want to end on a super-fast note—try this version of the Donna Summer classic. Awesomeness!

Simple Man:Lynrd Skynrd

The best damn song from the best damn redneck band of all time.

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

Lately I have been in the mood to get on my bike and ride out to Far Rockaway—just to see how everyone is doing there (FU Hurricane Sandy!) and also to feel the climb the Marine Parkway Gil Hodges Bridge. It’s a scary as hell climb for a person with height issues (like me) but it is also beyond exhilarating to ride over the narrow walkway and feel the wind in my face as I go.

Anyhoo—whenever I take on that bridge I like to put on a “climbing song” to get in the mood. So today I bring you some of my favorite tunes to get my feet peddling up an incline.

Enjoy…

Change:Churchill

I know absolutely nothing about this group except I really like this song. Are you familiar with them?

Man Like That: Gin Wigmore

This is a new song that I have been playing the last few weeks and it really seems to get people into a great mood.

Spiderwebs:No Doubt

My inner “90s Chick” gets super-happy every single time I hear this song. (Go Gwen!)

Little Lion Man:Mumford & Sons

My students are always surprised how much cursing exists in the “real” version of this song. (I think it makes it so much better.)

Get Higher: Black Grape

Our first official “climb song” comes from an English group that really likes their recreational drug use. (If I do not judge reggae musicians for it I can’t attack the Brits for the same thing!) Get Higher is SO subversive and no one ever seems to catch on to the theme. Love that!

Rope:Foo Fighters

Honestly you can play just about any Foo songs in a spin class and people will totally dig it.

Undone (The Sweater Song): Weezer

Lately I have been going through a total Weezer faze… (Second climb by the way.)

Telephone:Lady Gaga & Beyoncé

OMG—I freaking LOVE this song so much I want to marry it.

Too Close: Alex Clare

Our third climb features a song that could have been recorded in the 80s for all I can tell. That’s a compliment by the way.

The Pit:Silversun Pickups

This is one of my new favorite bands and this tune always makes me want to peddle faster.

I am trying to get better about putting up my playlists as people seem to enjoy them so let us not dilly dally—okay? Today’s ride features a few of my current favorite songs plus a 7- minute climb using an eerie Dave Matthews number from the 90s.

Do I have you intrigued? Then let’s get to it!

Trojans:Atlas Genius

I know absolutely nothing about this band but this song caught my attention right away and I knew I could start a ride with it.

Desire: U2

Desire is the prefect “second” song but it begins with a crashing guitar sound and delivers the perfect, driving beat for 3 minutes.

Youth Without Youth:Metric

Metric came to NYC last year and I could not get tickets—grrrrr!

Keep the Car Running:Arcade Fire

This might be my favorite song by them but all of their music is pretty great.

Thrift Shop: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The version full of cursing makes my heart soar. Most favorite new song on the list by far!

Elephant: Tame Impala

I like doing out of the saddle climbing with this weird little ditty.

Gold Digger: Kanye West

Please get the clean version if you play it in class! It is still plenty filthy, don’t worry!

Troublemaker:Weezer

I think the Red album is my favorite from them.

The Pretender: Foo Fighters

The Foos are the best with making super-fast songs that make everyone work their asses off with sprinting.

Crabbuckit:K-OS

Please come back to NYC K-OS!!

I’m Shakin: Jack White

I am starting to become sexually attracted to Jack White. What does that say about me?

Don’t Drink the Water:Dave Matthews Band

This song is perfect for a long, slow climb and has kind of a spooky sound.

Call Me Maybe: Carly Rae Jepsen

It only took me about 10 months but I think I get why this tune is so popular. Yay me!

Madness: Muse

Everyone tells me that Muse is the ultimate live band. What do you think?

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

I am so behind on posting these damn playlists-sorry gang. I am going to try harder. Promise!

Anyhoo—today we have a 50-minute ride with 4 medium-sized hills. Instead of my yapping about where I got the inspiration –why don’t we just get to getting’ instead, shall we?

Girlfriend:Matthew Sweet

I love, love, love this damn song so much and it always puts me in a great mood. Makes for the perfect warm-up tune I say.

Use It: The New Pornographers

A fun little ditty from a Canadian band I really enjoy.

What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger):Kelly Clarkson

I am not the biggest pop music fan but dammit if this song doesn’t make me want to sing along at the top of my lungs!

I Will Wait:Mumford & Sons

Some people are really sick of this band but I think I am finally coming around to them. Go figure!

Apparitions: Matthew Good Band

The first climb in this ride and has a nice slow, steady pace.

Americano: Lady Gaga

Now for a slight change in mood…(man is she ever skinny in this video!)

Doin’ Time: Sublime

The second climb and it has wee bit of ska punk feel to it.

1979:Smashing Pumpkins

Another tune from the 90s I just love and always makes me long for a long, meaningless drive in my old car.

Clint Eastwood: Gorillaz

I am not sure if I love the song because of the video. It’s pretty cool, right?

Wait a Minute:The Pussycat Dolls

I heard this at the ECA NY convention and for some reason had to buy it off Shazam right away. It’s just too damn catchy!

My Hero: Foo Fighters

Apparently Dave Grohl wrote this in honor of Kurt Cobain.

Crank it Up:David Guetta & Akon

I liked to do “heavy sprints” to this song.

Pets: Porno for Pyros

I love anything to do with Perry Farrell, but this live performance is not my favorite thing in the world. (Sorry but I could not find the original video!) Guessing he just MIGHT be on something funny here but do not quote me on that.

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

I am really working on getting up my playlists on a timelier basis as I really do enjoy putting them together. Please feel free to send along your own suggestions for music I should check out especially warm up and slow, hard driving “climb” songs as those are crucial for getting people motivated.

In fact, leave comments below on what songs, music, musicians and bands that put you in the mood to workout.

Is there a tune that makes you run faster?

Do you lift better listening to hard rock?

If you hear Alanis on your iPod—does your inner rock goddess make you work even harder on the elliptical?

Let me know!

So on to today’s playlist. There isn’t any particular theme attached to it—just a mixture of old and new songs that get me in the mood to be the best teacher I can each time I walk into the gym. Let’s get to it, shall we?

• Personal Jesus: Johnny Cash
When my brother served in the Navy he told me that when his crew would go for deep dives in their submarine—this song would be playing as they explored the deep sea. I just love the image of it and wanted to pass it along to you. You’re welcome!

• Town Called Malice: The Jam
Really fun piece of 80s British pop that puts me in a spirited mood.

• Breathing Underwater: Metric
This is one of those bands that played in NYC recently and I could just kick myself in the arse for missing them. (Dammit!)

• Ain’t Messin’ Round: Gary Clark Jr.
If this song doesn’t get your heart rate pumping—you need to have someone check you pulse!

• Take a Walk: Passion Pit
This is one of those “add gear and start climbing” tunes that gets everyone in a good mood.

• Walk Away: James Gang
I hear this and it makes me want to drink beer and get in a bar fight. (In a good way!)

• Pinhead: The Ramones
Gabba Gabba Hey!

• Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
The video really used to freak me out back in the day. But the song is still great.

• Butterfly: Crazy Town
The lead singer of this bad is a sad drug addict who gets kicked out of home on Celebrity Rehab. It can’t be easy to be a one-hit wonder.

• Natural One: The Folk Implosion
I liked to do “heavy sprints” to this song.